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Welcome to Life Images by Jill

Welcome to Life Images by Jill.........Stepping into the light and bringing together the images and stories of our world.Through my blog I am seeking to preserve images and memories of the beautiful world in which we live and the people in it. I am a Freelance Journalist and Photographer based in Bunbury, Western Australia. My published work specialises in Western Australian travel articles and stories about inspiring everyday people. My passion is photography, writing, travel, wildflower and food photography. I hope you enjoy scrolling through my blog. To visit other pages, please click on the tabs above, or go to my Blog Archive on the side bar. Please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of any of my posts. I value your messages and look forward to hearing from you.If you like my work, and would like to buy a print, or commission me for some work, please go to my "contact me" tab. Thank you for visiting my blog and helping me "step into the light".

Welcome!

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Book - My Brother Mark

Update March 2014

"Now I See" book project. Edited by Angela Blakston. An anthology of
stories by Australian and New Zealand parents for parents of children
with Down Syndrome. My story about our son Mark "Inspiring Achievements"
is on page 117. Now I See is a non-profit group. Book proceeds will be used to print more books to give free to new parents and health professionals.To read inspiring stories about people with Down Syndrome and their families and to buy a copy of the book, please click here - Now I See Project

I wrote My Brother Mark Has Down Syndrome in 1990 as if our elder son Paul is the writer, although it is actually my own words written in a style that a child might write. I asked Paul before writing the book what he might say about Mark but he was unable to express any ideas, although after reading it he really liked what I had written.

By writing this book I am trying to express some of this thoughts and fears and frustrations. To tell him it’s ok to be angry sometimes, while still loving Mark. To point out to him the good things about having Mark as a brother, and what a special person Paul is too.

I am looking for a publisher for my book which I hope will help teach other children about Down Syndrome, and to tell other brothers and sisters that they are not alone in having to cope with a disabled brother or sister.

My first draft of this book won first prize for the Outstanding Children's Book presented by a student in the Teacher Assistant Certificate Class of 1990 in Bunbury, Western Australia.

My Brother Mark Has Down Syndrome

By Jill Harrison – for my sons Paul and Mark – 1990

April 1987, Paul 8, Mark 5 1/2 years

Hi! My name is Paul and I live in Bunbury in Western Australia. I am eleven years old and I am interested in dinosaurs and building things with Lego. I play soccer on Saturdays and go to Scouts.

I have one brother, Mark, who is eight years old. Mark has Down Syndrome.

I was only two when Mark was born. I didn’t know it at the time, but Mum and Dad were very sad for a long time after Mark was born. They didn’t know if he would learn to walk, or talk, or feed himself, or write his name, or read a book, or ride a bike, or play football, or learn to swim, or anything.

Mark has learnt to do all these things, but he still has trainer wheels on his bike.

I just knew I had a baby brother and I thought he was great.

Perhaps I should tell you what Down Syndrome is. It isn’t a disease. You can’t catch it from anyone. It happens when the baby is being made inside the Mother. Something doesn’t go right. The Mother doesn’t know it’s gone wrong and she doesn’t mean it to happen. It just does. No-one can do anything about it to make it better.

So the baby is born and the Doctor can see by looking at the baby that something is wrong. He takes a bit of blood from the baby, and tests it, and the test tells him the bay has Down Syndrome. Then he has to tell the parents. That’s when the sad part starts, because the Mum and Dad were hoping for a perfect baby.

Down Syndrome is called an intellectual handicap. That means it is very hard for them to learn, and they need lots of help, but they do learn in the end. Maybe not as good as you and I might, but they can learn and do lots of things that we can. Mum and Dad had to teach Mark just about everything he knew before he was old enough to go to school.

Mum tells me I can help Mark to learn too. Mark thinks I’m great and he copies everything I do. That can be a real pain sometimes but it helps Mark to learn and I can teach him things. So that’s OK.

Like the time I taught Mark to ride his three wheeler bike. Mum had been trying for ages to teach Mark to ride his bike. But he wasn’t getting anywhere. So one day I took him outside to try and help him. And hey presto, what do you know! He suddenly leant! Mum was so thrilled and so proud and pleased with me for teaching Mark to ride his bike. I was really pleased to see Mum happy.

There are lots of things Mark can do.

Mark goes to school at South Bunbury Primary School. He is in Grade Three. I go to school at Eaton Primary School and I am in Grade Six. My school is near out home so I ride there on my bike. Mark’s school is in town and a bus picks him up from our home to take him there and bring him home again after school.

Mark goes to a different school to me because at South Bunbury they have three Educational Support classes for children like Mark who need extra help to learn. There are only eight or ten children in each class, and sometimes the children go into the regular classes for things like music, art or sport, and they can play with the other children at lunch time.

When Mark started school I used to worry a lot about him. What was he doing? What were the other children in the class like? Did he have friends to play with at lunch time? Could he open his lunch box and get his sandwiches out? Could he turn on the tap to get a drink? Was the teacher nice?

It used to worry me a lot and I got very upset. So Mum and my teacher and Mark’s teacher arranged for me to go to Mark’s school for half a day so I could see what was happening and that he was alright.

I was Ok after that and didn’t have to worry any more because Mark was having a great time, he had lots of friends and he was learning lots of new things.

Mark really loves going to school. At South Bunbury the children with learning problems can learn from the normal children, and the normal children can learn about being caring of other people.

The first year Mark was at school he got the class citizenship award for his class at the end of the year school concert night. His teacher said he was very special and brought out the best in everyone. We were so pleased and proud. The crowd cheered and Mum cried. I wonder why Mum’s cry when they’re happy.

Mark loves sport. He loves watching it on TV and playing it. Even though he’s not very good at it, he keeps going back and trying. One day he got a certificate after the school sport’s carnival for “Determination in Sport”.

In the winter Mark plays Freeball and in the summer he plays Kanga Cricket. He also goes to swimming lessons with regular children and is up to Stage Four, which is really good. He has always loved swimming. He swims under water with a huge smile on his face.

Mark also loves music and he’s really good at imitating things he sees on TV, especially the commercials. Mum says she thinks he’s going to be an actor when he grows up.

Mark makes lots of people happy. He is very friendly and talks to everyone. Nothing bothers him much for long. He always cheers up again. He notices when you’re sad and puts his arms around you. He always seems to enjoy himself.

Of course he can be a real pain at times, can’t we all? Sometimes he is naughty and stubborn and does not do what Mum or Dad ask him to do. Sometimes he makes me angry and I get mad at him. But most of the time he’s happy and loves everyone. I love him too.

Anyway, that’s about all I guess. Down Syndrome people are regular people like you and me. We just have to remember to be kind and considerate of them and not make fun of them. We should look at what they can do, not what they can’t do.

Mum and Dad still feel sad sometimes about Mark. Sometimes I get sad too. We don’t know what will happen to him in the future. Mum says he’ll probably get a regular job, look after himself, perhaps get married. Just like me. Most important, he’ll probably always be happy.

That sounds pretty good to me.

How can I tell you what love is?

Love is bearing a precious little child.

How can I tell you what sorrow is?

Sorrow is knowing this child will never be what we planned.

How can I tell you what pain is?

Pain is a felling wrenched from the heart

A feeling that goes on and on.

How can I tell you what happiness is?

Happiness is seeing this child grow every day

How can I tell you what joy is?

Joy is watching every new step he takes.

How can I tell you what sunshine is?

Sunshine is something this child spreads around him

every day of is life.

Sorrow ends

Pain slowly fades

But love and joy are ours forever

Reflected in the smile of our child.

Jill Harrison

10 October 1994

Update September 2010

Since I wrote this book Mark has made a number of achievements. He completed Year 12 at the Education Support Unit at Australind Senior High School, he was a member of the Eaton Scouts group, played football as a member of the Australind Junior Football Association, works at Activ Timber Products (sheltered workshop) for 2 days a week and open employment at Aristos Waterfront Restaurant in Bunbury for 2 days, ran in the 2000 Sydney Olympics Torch Relay through Brunswick in Western Australia, won a Children of Courage Award in 1996 presented at Government House in Perth, has competed equally as a member of the Forza Dragon Boat Club since 1997, works out at Zenith Gym 3 times a week, and was a groomsman at Paul’s wedding in 2004 and said the toast to the bridesmaids.

Mark is well accepted and much loved. He teaches everyone around him about people with Down Syndrome. At Paul’s wedding, Paul made special mention of Mark in his speech, saying that Mark “inspires me with everything he does”.

Mark loves football and is an avid West Coast Eagles supporter. He is a keen movie watcher, enjoys doing “Word Sleuths”, takes photos with his digital camera, and his latest craze is his “Wii” machine. Mark has travelled extensively with his family throughout Western Australia, and to Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania and to Uluru and Alice Springs. Mark has also travelled to South Africa, Singapore, Mauritius, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket and Bali.

Mark has brought our lives many special gifts. And I know that Paul is the wonderful person he his partly because of his experience having Mark has a brother.

Jill Harrison, 13 September 2010

Down Syndrome is the most common form of intellectual handicap in the world, occurring approximately one in every eight hundred births. It is of genetical origin caused by faulty cell division of Chromosome 21 at conception. A child with Down Syndrome has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46 (23 pairs). The effects are both physical and mental, though the degree of handicap is varied as with abilities in the general population.

As more is learnt about the Syndrome, educational opportunities and acceptance within society is increasing and more people with Down Syndrome are realising their full potential and capabilities. As a result greater opportunities for people with Down Syndrome are opening up within the general community.

What a beautiful story and poem. There is something very special too you Jill. You have an amazing ability to see the beauty and wonder in whatever life deals you - and to use all your experiences - negative and positive to create.

I like your description of yourself at the top of your blog.I SEEK TO EXPRESS MYSELF AND PRESERVE IMAGES AND MEMORIES OF THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE AND THE PEOPLE IN ITYour blog shows you live it.

What do I say! This is a very special book. You write simply with a lot of love and compassion from Paul's point of view. I know several parents who have a 'little Mark' (and not coping very well), who I would love to give this book to. The whole layout and design of your draft copy is attractive (and professional. don't now whether I'm allowed to have favourite books - then if I am then this one's mine. Hugh.

Thank you for your lovely comment Jan. Mark actually loves travelling overseas and interstate. People are so nice to him when we travel. Our trip to Africa was particularly amazing because the people at the lodge were all so fantastic with him. ps - it is all the walking that we do when we travel that he complains about!

I just read this beautiful piece and think you must be so pleased as a mom to see your child doing so well. I'm happy for your family that society in general has made a big effort over the years to be far more inclusive. I know it's been hard but what a wonderful, loving story and sounds like he inherited some of your adventurous genes.

Hi Jill. Just working my way through your site. What a wonderful story about Paul and Mark. Have you read "Wonder"? It is available at Bunbury Library in the young readers section and is one of my favourite books. It might be worthwhile having a look at given there are some similarities between your story and the story told in Wonder.

Fabulous web page Jill and an amazing read "My Brother Mark". it bought this mum to tears. Being an ex student of Mr H in Cooinda days I have known of your family for years. Well done on all of your accomplishments, life is embracing every day and making the most of it. I realised this was you after seeing your floral display at Flower Designers Club, mine is the piece next to yours. Cheers Annette

WOW! Jill, I just LOVE your story. In the short time that I have known you, Rod and Mark, I know how happy Mark is and he has such a great sense of humour! He is so lucky to have a wonderful, supportive and loving family who are proud of him and his achievements xxxx You and Rod are truly loving parents xxx

I hope you have enjoyed your visit to my blog. Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to comment. I read and very much appreciate every comment and love hearing from you. I will try to visit your blogs in return.

About Me

I completed a Higher Diploma of Advanced Freelance Journalism with the Australian College of Journalism and started writing freelance in 2002. I have had articles published in Australian Coast & Country, Go Camping Australia, On The Road, Flourish, Perth Vita, Australian Vital, Australian Photography, Western Angler, Homes and Living, Great Walks magazine, RRR Network News (for rural, remote and regional women in Western Australia), South Culture magazine and Bunbury's South Western Times newspaper. I completed the WA Holiday Specialist Training Programme run by Tourism Western Australia and attended several Summer School photography courses at University of Western Australia Extension, and a Bunbury TAFE Digital Photography course. I have completed several on line photography courses, and contribute to Digital Photography School, Flickr, and Getty Images.
I am a member of the Photography Group of Bunbury, The WA Photographic Federation, South Side Quills and the Fellowship of Australian Writers WA.
I enjoy photographing our magnificent country and seek to continually improve. I hope you enjoy my writing and photography.

Links to my web pages

Tour Western Australia - Come for a drive with me!

Come with me on a 52 week tour around Western Australia. Click on the photo to go to my page Tour Western Australia and follow me over 52 weeks as I take you on a tour around our magnificent state of Western Australia in words and pictures.

Photographing wildflowers

The Blue Leschenaultia is just one Western Australia's thousands of amazing wildflowers. Spring is my favourite time but walking through the bush at any time of year you will find something flowering. If you would like to see more of my wildflower images, please click on this photo to take you to my Flickr site. If you see any images that you wish to purchase, please contact me

My Flickr Photo Page

Getty Images

I am now a contributor to Getty Images, through an invitation through Flickr. Click on the image to go to the linlk.

FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

To keep up with my latest food images please click on this image to go to my Flickr food page. If you see something you like, or would like me to do some food photography for you be it for your website, restaurant, magazine or cook book, please contact me.

Ferguson Valley Plated

In 2015 Jill was one of the food photographers for Ferguson Valley Plated, launched in October 2015, through a collaboration with Kim Wesley from Peppermint Lane Lodge.

The Runaway Quill

The Runaway Quill, which was launched in August 2016, is an anthology of writing from Bunbury's South Side Quills writers group, of which Jill is a member. Copies are $20. Please let me know if you would like to purchase one.

Against the Light 2015

Jill won the Against the Light 2015 photographic competition conducted by the WA Photographic Federation in September 2015 with this image seen on the cover of the book.

Photography Group of Bunbury Awards

2015 - 3rd place Photographer of the Year, Highly Commended Colour Image of the Year

Donnybrook-Balingup Shire 2016 calendar

Go Camping and 4WD Adventures Australia

My cover image from the Holland Track on the cover of Go Camping and 4WD Adventures Australia August-September 2013 edition. Please click on the image to go to my blog post about the Holland Track.

Go Camping Australia magazine

My cover image from the Great Central Road , Western Australia on the cover of Go Camping Australia magazine Feb-March 2013. Please clilck on the image to go to the Go Camping website.

Exploring WA's WIldflower Country

Jill's images are displayed on the front and back covers and inside. Edition 7, 2015.

Australian Coast &Country magazine

My cover image of the Thrombolites at Lake Clifton, Mandurah, West Australia. Australian Coast and Country magazine, Edition 1-2008

Communal Global

I am very excited to be invited to join the Communal Global community. Please click on the link below to see images from around the world from other contributors.

Communal Global

Life's Journey

It is not what life does to you that is important, but what you do with what life does to you. - Chinese saying.

Frangipani

This Frangipani in my garden has just started to flower after many years. Sometimes it can take years to create something beautiful. The journey can be as beautiful as the end result.

The sunshine in my life

My family and friends are the most precious part of my life. Like the sunflower the tiny pieces of our lives fit together to complete the whole. I thank them for their love, encouragement and support and for being the special people they are. This photo was taken in Monet's Garden at Giverney in France.

Footprints

You can always find something to photograph, like this trail we found on the beach in the Cape Range National Park. It's a snapshot of a life, just as special as our own.

Sturt Desert Pea

Sturt Desert Pea near Marble Bar in the Pibara.

Everlastings

White Wells, mid-west Western Australia

Eucalypt

Simplicity in the Dryandra Woodland, Western Austraia

Wreath Leschenaultia

This unique wildflower only grows in a small area of Western Australia. We saw this one along Sanderson Road in the Mid West.

Crimson Spider Orchid

Blue Lady Orchid

Donkey Orchid

We have a patch of bush near our home, where I search for wild orchids, like this donkey orchid.

Native Cornflower

Jibberding Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Leopard Orchid

Leopard Orchid seen along the old Ellensbrook Road near the historical Ellensbrook Homestead near Margaret River.

Boronia

Haddleton Nature Reserve, Western Australia

Wattle

The wattle must surely be the most widespread family of Australian Wildflowers, with 100's of varieties. This one was seen at Canna Dam in WA's midwest.

Southern Native Rose

Tuart Walk near Bunbury.

Goodenia

Great Northern Highway, Western Australia

Mulla Mulla

There are many varieties of Mulla Mulla. This delicate variety we found at the abandoned Ragged Hill Minesite, on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert in the Pilbara

Silver Cassia

A burst of yellow on the Morawa to Yalgoo Road in the Mid West.

Thank you....

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my world. Our connections enrich our lives through reaching out , seeing and understanding, learning from each other, having compassion, rejoycing, giving thanks, and experiencing the beautiful world in which we live and the people we meet along our journey. Thank you for joining me along my path.

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Digital Photography School

If you want to learn more about digital photography, work through tutorials, enter competitions, post your photos, have your photos critiqued, talk to other photographers, ask questions and get answers on just about anything about photography - here is the place for you - Digital Photography School. I have joined recently, it's free, and a great site. Click on the photo to enter or go to my website links.

Forever in our hearts

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For the love of flowers

I love photographing flowers - both in the wild and in my garden - so spring is my favourite time of year and the chance to go in search of wildflowers. Walking through the bush at any time of year you will find something flowering. If you would like to see some more of my flower photos please click on this photo to go to my Picasa site or scroll up the page to my Flickr page.

The Rose

The rose is the enduring symbol of love and friendship. It is also like the circle of life. It starts as a tiny bud that gradually unfolds, grows, changes, evolves, and then blooms to display its full potential and radiance. Just like our lives - as we grow and are nurtured, we gently unfold and reach the potential of our full bloom. Each step is precious and beautiful. As we look at the rose we can see on the outside that petals that have already evolved but in the centre is the life that is still to come to us if we open up our hearts and minds. When I photograph the rose I seek to capture its perfection and the inner beauty and promise of what is to come. If you would like to see some more of my rose photos click on the photo to go to my Picasa site.

Forever in my heart

My darling Dad passed away peacefully on 6 September 2014 after several weeks in hospital. It hurt me to watch him fade. I cried and cried, but I know he is back where he wanted to be - in those fields and paddocks with the love of his life, his wife, my mother. Forever united in love. You will be forever in my heart darling Dad. 26-8-1929 - 6-9-2014.

A tribute

On 26 February 2008, my daughter-in-law's mother died suddenly and unexpectedly from acute promyelocytic leukaemia. There is now a huge gap in the lives of her family. I know she is watching over them.